I was hit at an intersection by a car belonging to the local sheriff’s department. The deputy ran a red light. He did not have his emergency lights or siren on when the wreck happened. Can I sue the deputy for the injuries I received?
No, but you can sue the Sheriff’s department. The individual deputy is immune from suit if the wreck was caused while he was on the job, but the Sheriff’s department (county government) is responsible for the acts of the deputy.
Tennessee limits the amount of damages that can be awarded against a local government. For wrecks occurring on or after July 1, 2007, a "governmental entity" may not be required to pay more than $300,000 for any one person injured in an auto wreck or more than $700,000 for all people injured in a wreck.
Different rules apply for medical malpractice cases.
If the deputy was not on the job at the time of the wreck he could be held personally responsible for his actions.